Summary Report the 69Th Annual Meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference Savannah, Georgia | July 18-22, 2015 CONTENTS Meeting Highlights

2015 Summary Report The 69th Annual Meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference Savannah, Georgia | July 18-22, 2015 CONTENTS Meeting Highlights ...... 2 Campaign Against Hunger ..... 3

COMMITTEE SESSION SUMMARIES Agriculture & Rural Development ...... 4 Economic Development, Transportation & Cultural Affairs ...... 6 Education ...... 8 Energy & Environment ...... 10 WELCOMING ADDRESS GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL, GEORGIA Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations ...... 12 Human Services & Public Safety ...... 14 Legislative Staff Workshop ...... 16 Technical Tours ...... 18 SLC STAR Judges Panel ...... 19 Conference Notes ...... 20 Sponsor Appreciation ...... 21 Staff & Volunteers ...... 22 SLC Leadership ...... 23 OPENING PLENARY Future Annual Meetings ...... 24 FORMER SENATOR SAXBY CHAMBLISS & During the 69th Annual Meet- ATLANTA EQUITY CHAIRMAN A.D. "PETE" CORRELL ing of the Southern Legislative Conference, July 18-22, 2015, in Savannah, Georgia, legislators from across the South joined together with policy experts to discuss, review, and consider the opportunities that exist to bring prosperity and promise to states and communities in the region. The meeting summaries in this report are condensed overviews of speaker presentations provided at sessions of the SLC standing committees. Presen- tations from committee sessions, where available, can be CLOSING PLENARY found on the SLC website at VINCE DOOLEY, FORMER UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA www.slcatlanta.org/GA2015. FOOTBALL COACH AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

2 SLC ANNUAL MEETING TAKES ON HUNGER IN THE SOUTH

According to the U.S. Census, Georgia is one of nine states exhibiting higher rates of household food insecurity than the national average. Additionally, one in four children are at-risk for hunger in southeastern Georgia. To help combat this problem, the Southern Legislative Conference held its fifth “SLC/ Mark Norris Campaign Against Hunger” food packaging event. The service project has become a signature event of the SLC Annual Meeting. With the help of the attendees of the SLC’s 69th Annual Meeting and volunteers from the Savannah metro area, 50,000 meals were packaged for food in- secure families in the 21 coastal Georgia counties. The packaged meals were donated to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, where they will be distributed to families in need. Outreach Incorporated, SLC’s partner in this event, and America’s Second Har- vest of Coastal Georgia received donations totaling $5,000 from the SLC. Out- reach Incorporated is an Iowa-based nonprofit with an enduring mission to provide food, water, medical care and education to millions of children in the United States and in East Africa. Second Harvest food bank was established in Savannah in 1981. Their mission is to feed the hungry by distributing nutritious food to nonprofit agencies and at-risk elderly and youth, to assist in disaster relief, and work toward long-term solutions to end the cycle of poverty and hunger. Last year, Amer- ica’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia provided more than 8.1 million meals to hungry people in coastal Georgia.

3 AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE SESSION SUMMARY

SUNDAY, JULY 19 ATTRACTING NEW AND BEGINNING FARMERS Senator Kent Leonhardt, West Virginia Fred Harrison, Jr., Ph.D., State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Georgia MONDAY, JULY 20 Representative Andy Anders ADVANCING THE FOOD CHAIN: Louisiana GEORGIA’S EFFORTS TO CONNECT PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS Chair Gary Black, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture USE AND REGULATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) ATTRACTING NEW AND Senator Bret Allain, Louisiana BEGINNING FARMERS Mark Dombroff, Partner, Dentons, Virginia With estimates projecting the world’s Ben Worley, Chief Executive Officer, AgriSource Data, former Chief Operating population to reach 9.6 billion by 2050, Officer, VSG-Unmanned, Georgia the demand for food and agricultural products w i l l continue to grow. Unfor- ing in risk management through im- tunately, providers of those products proved crop insurance coverage by are a class shrinking with age and the reducing premiums during the first rising cost of doing business. five years.

The 2012 Census of Agriculture found In 2014, the West Virginia Legislature the number of farms is declining and created the Veterans and Warriors to the average age of farmers is rising. Agriculture Program to encourage vet- According to the 2007 Census of Ag- erans and returning warriors to become riculture, the average age was 57.1 for involved in agriculture and to support principal farm operators and 54.9 for veterans already working in agriculture. all farm operators, which also includes In addition to increasing the number of second and third operators. By 2012, agriculture entrepreneurs and assisting program’s most rewarding outcomes the average age was 58.3 and 56.3 years veterans in transitioning from the bat- are the many accounts from veterans old, respectively. During the same pe- tlefield to home, the program provides who credit the program with changing riod, the number of beginning farm- agricultural therapy as a means of deal- their lives and, in some cases, prevent- ers dropped 20 percent, from 652,820 ing with Post Traumatic Stress Dis- ing contemplation of suicide. in 2007, to 522,058 in 2012. order and other traumatic brain inju- ADVANCING THE FOOD CHAIN ry issues. Reducing the barriers to en- In light of these trends, the USDA try, the West Virginia Department of Critical to the long-term sustainability has implemented new policies and Agriculture may lease land or space at of the agriculture industry, new farm- programs under the 2014 Farm Bill state-owned facilities to veterans in the ers must have the knowledge and tools to help reduce the barriers to entry program. Lease-derived income is re- available to move their products from for beginning farmers and ranch- turned to the program for operations the farm to the consumer. Likewise, ers. Some of these initiatives include and other expenditures. Veterans, Na- the estimated prevalence of food des- improving access to capital with the tional Guard and Reserve members, erts increases the importance of con- Farm Service Agency’s Microloan and direct descendants of veterans are sumers’ access to fresh fruits and vege- program; increasing access to land by eligible to participate in the program. tables. Created by the Georgia Depart- facilitating the transition of expiring To date, more than 250 veterans have ment of Agriculture, the Georgia Grown conservation reserve lands from re- signed up to participate, and veter- program brings together producers, tiring owners and operators to begin- ans have started more than 150 small processors, suppliers, distributors, re- ning farmers and ranchers; and assist- businesses and cottage industries. The tailers, agritourism, and consumers to

4 the use of commercial Unmanned Air- In 2015, the Group's recommenda- craft Systems (UAS), or drones, with- tions were codified in Senate Bill 183. out an FAA exemption. While await- The proactive legislation provides state ing release of the Final Rules, expected guidelines governing UAS use; autho- in 2017, the popularity of UAS contin- rizes UAS operation in accordance with ues to grow. Meanwhile, obtaining an regulations established by the commis- FAA exemption remains the only legal sioner of agriculture, except as prohib- means of operating commercial UAS. ited by federal law; establishes safe- The Proposed Rules are less stringent ty and accountability measures; and than current exemption operating re- provides for license and registration quirements. Combined with the coun- by the state Department of Agricul- try’s delayed entry into the UAS indus- ture & Forestry. Under the legislation, try, and the relative ease of obtaining which authorizes civil penalties for vi- the technology from online and other olations, data obtained through UAS retailers, some industry experts believe operation must be used solely in the ELECTION OF OFFICERS this leniency signals the FAA’s desire course of conducting a generally ac- The Agriculture & Rural Develop- to avoid squelching a burgeoning in- cepted commercial agricultural opera- ment Committee elected Represen- dustry. Unlike the exemption, which tion or in conjunction with agricultur- tative Tom McKee, Kentucky, to requires a pilot’s license for UAS oper- al research, an extension program, or serve as the Committee’s chair, and ation, the Proposed Rules create a new Louisiana university initiative. Regu- Senator Danny Verdin, South Car- UAS operators certificate. Certified lations drafted by the Department of olina, to serve as the Committee’s operators must be at least 17 years-old, Agriculture & Forestry will become vice chair for 2015-2016. proficient in English, and pass a TSA effective upon final disposition of the background check and Initial Aero- new FAA rules. build a statewide agricultural economy. nautical Knowledge Test, similar to Georgia Grown is a brand for Georgia’s the FAA pilot’s exam. Applicants do Using an FAA exemption, sever- agricultural products, designed to help not have to provide a medical certifi- al companies are testing the uses and grow its citizens and local economies. cate, pass a vision test, or demonstrate limits of UAS technology. Agriculture flight proficiency. Under the rules, all uses being tested include proactive- Current Georgia Grown initiatives in- commercial UAS flights must be con- ly using drones and data to help keep clude the Feed My School (FMS), Test ducted where the operator can see the up with growing demands for agricul- Kitchen, and Executive Chefs pro- aircraft at all times. Although using a tural outputs. By integrating drone grams. The FMS and Test Kitchen pro- visual observer allows operators to fly data into agricultural decision-making, grams help bridge the gap between nu- outside the visual line of sight (VLOS), farmers can reduce costs and inputs, trition and quality of food in Georgia they must still be able to exercise air- increase production, and promote schools by challenging local communi- craft control based on VLOS. sustainability. ties to provide students with five days of meals containing at least 75 percent Recognizing the potential benefits of Despite the potential benefits of UAS, Georgia Grown products and providing UAS technology, in 2014, the Loui- the industry and the public maintain a school nutrition directors with nutri- siana Legislature established the Ag- number of concerns. Some of the big- tional test recipes, along with student riculture Unmanned Aerial Vehicle gest industry concerns are regulatory opinions and information on obtaining Study Group to study the use and ap- uncertainty, which includes a lack of locally-sourced ingredients. In conjunc- plication of drones for agricultural pur- discussion and coordination between tion with the Georgia Restaurant Asso- poses and make legislative recommen- states about their plans or future in- ciation, the Executive Chefs program dations based on the findings. The tentions; possible burdens of updat- selects four chefs each year to serve as Group found their value in agriculture ing UAS technology; and a lack of in- Georgia Grown’s culinary ambassadors to could reach into the billions and could dustry standards. The most prevalent help promote and foster relationships provide a new level of accountability public concerns are privacy and secu- between chefs and Georgia farmers. and precision; however, it urged the rity. As the country continues to build THE USE AND REGULATION OF UAS FAA to consider regulating agricultur- a regulatory framework for operating al UAS separately from other UAS air- commercial and non-commercial UAS In February 2015, the Federal Avia- craft and to give states the authority to technology, it will be important for tion Administration (FAA) released develop additional regulatory policies policymakers to take these and other its long-awaited Proposed Rules for beyond the general FAA guidelines. concerns into consideration.

5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORTATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SESSION SUMMARY

SUNDAY, JULY 19 TRANSPORTATION REFORMS IN THE SLC STATES Representative Bubber Epps, Georgia Delegate Chris Jones, Virginia Representative Larry Phillips, Texas PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: LESSONS FROM FLORIDA Senator Jeff Mullis Leon Corbett, Project Finance Manager, Department of Transportation, Florida Georgia MONDAY, JULY 20 Chair PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN EFFORTS TRANSPORTATION REFORMS Page Siplon, Chief Executive Officer, TeamOne Logistics, Georgia IN THE SLC STATES GEORGIA’S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner, Film, Music & Digital Entertainment, Like every other state, Georgia faces Department of Economic Development, Georgia significant transportation funding challenges. In response, the Georgia General Assembly created a Joint and 26,000 pounds; $100 for vehicles Study Committee on Critical Trans- greater than 26,001 pounds; and portation Infrastructure Funding in » Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees and 2014 to identify the extent of the fund- Tax Credits: Institutes a $200 non- ing gap and strategies to overcome the commercial and $300 commercial funding challenges. The Committee alternative fuel vehicle annual reg- concluded in its December 2014 report istration fee while eliminating the that between $1 billion to $1.5 billion $2,500/$5,000 tax credit on low/ in new annual transportation funding zero emission vehicles. was needed, along with identifying 12 potential funding sources. The Geor- Virginia is another state that initiated gia Department of Transportation also major transportation funding reforms identified additional annual funding in recent years. In 2013, after more needs. Consequently, during the 2015 than a decade of legislative efforts, the legislative session, the General Assem- General Assembly adopted legislation velop a quantitative process to prior- bly, after intense debate and discussion, providing a dynamic long-term trans- itize transportation investments. In passed HB 170 that was signed into law portation funding solution. This state- 2015, the reforms continued with the by the governor in May 2015. The pri- wide package was expected to gener- replacement of Virginia’s transpor- mary funding sources to address these ate about $850 million annually when tation funding allocation formulae. fiscal challenges were: fully implemented from a combination Also, in 2015, the General Assembly of existing and new revenue sources, adopted reforms related to improved » State Motor Fuel Excise Tax Rate: including $200 million from existing evaluation of potential P3 programs. 26 cents per gallon on gasoline; 29 general fund sources, by 2018. cents per gallon on diesel; annual- Texas also is focused on continuing ly indexed for increased vehicle fuel Before the 2013 reforms, Virginia had to develop and improve its transpor- efficiency and Consumer Price Index pursued public private partnerships tation system. In the last few years, (CPI) increases; (P3s), tolls, agency reforms and the use Texas’ transportation policy deci- » Hotel/Motel Nightly Fee: $5 per night of bonds to secure additional revenue sions sought to increase the efficient lodging fee that excludes extended sources. These reforms continued and, and cost-effective movement of com- stay occupants; in 2014, the General Assembly enact- merce, both within and outside the » Heavy Vehicle Annual Impact Fee: ed legislation requiring that the Com- state. Texas also has sought to devel- $50 for vehicles between 15,500 pounds monwealth Transportation Board de- op and expand all modes of transpor-

6 ELECTION OF OFFICERS ical infrastructure network has trig- gered billions in additional costs. The Economic Development, Trans- On the human capital front, precise portation & Cultural Affairs Com- and customized workforce develop- mittee re-elected Senator Jeff Mullis, ment programs are critical, primar- Georgia, to serve as the Commit- ily those targeting millennials, who, tee’s chair, and Representative Brent by 2020, will comprise 40 percent of Yonts, Kentucky, to serve as the the U.S. workforce. There also is a Committee’s vice chair for 2015-2016. driver shortage, with the American Trucking Association estimating the process; secure government and com- need for another 100,000 drivers ev- munity stakeholders’ support; contract ery year for the next 10 years. with outside experts with P3 experi- GEORGIA’S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ence while building internal expertise across projects; and ensure that the THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY process is transparent and interactive. Georgia’s association with the motion tation to bolster the state economy Working with concessionaires and picture industry dates back several and create jobs while maintaining federal partners, the Florida Depart- decades. In 1972, the movie Deliver- and modernizing existing infrastruc- ment of Transportation has strived ance was filmed in north Georgia and, ture. The passage of Proposition 1 to deploy the P3 approach to deliv- in subsequent years, many other (dedicating a portion of oil revenue er transportation infrastructure solu- movies (from Driving Miss Daisy to to road construction and mainte- tions in an efficient and cost-effective Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil nance) provides at least $1.5 billion manner. to Glory) were filmed in the state. A annually, more than enough to fill the PROMOTING ECONOMIC major transformation in Georgia’s ap- cash flow shortfall left by the expira- proach to the motion picture industry tion of two transportation bonds and GROWTH THROUGH LOGISTICS surfaced in the mid-2000s when the resultant debt service. Another re- AND SUPPLY CHAIN EFFORTS Georgia General Assembly passed cent, important development in- While each company’s supply chain the Georgia Entertainment Indus- volved ending diversions from the needs are unique, they all are driven by try Investment Act, an initiative that state’s transportation fund for other the need to enhance reliability and de- provided a tax credit of 20 percent purposes and reforming transporta- liver goods and services faster, cheaper to 30 percent for movie production procurement. and more efficiently. Concurrently, tion companies that spent in excess PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS the entire supply chain sector faces tre- of $500,000 in a fiscal year. This mendous degrees of change with new initiative has generated a tremen- Florida has implemented two specific and emerging technologies sweeping dous amount of economic benefits types of P3s for a number of years: De- across the landscape. In fact, projec- to the state. A major component of sign-Build-Finance and Design-Build- tions point to the fact that between this economic impact is driven by Finance-Operate-Maintain. Based on 2014 and 2019, remote payments will the location, relocation and expan- these two approaches, Florida has well more than double (from $42 billion sion of the many companies related over a dozen either completed or ad- to $90 billion), with mobile payments to the movie industry, particularly vancing construction projects totaling expected to reach a staggering $142 in the post-production arena. Doz- $6.8 billion, including the Port of Mi- billion in the United States by 2019. ens of companies continue to operate ami tunnel project, I-595 project and Consequently, both financial and non- in Georgia to service the motion pic- I-4 project. Florida has continued to financial companies have enacted a ture industry’s activities, serving as refine its P3 approach and, in 2012, the range of measures to prepare for this the infrastructure backbone to the in- Legislature enacted, and the governor wave of mobile payments. dustry in the state. Since 2010, more signed into law, additional controls. than a dozen companies have located Given the need for greater efficien- or expanded their studio facilities in Given Florida’s extensive experience cies in supply chain management, Georgia. The motion picture indus- with P3s, the following surface as key there has been heightened focus on try’s influence, both economic and lessons learned: treat each project as enhancing physical infrastructure ca- non-economic, has been a real pos- unique; structure deals comprehen- pacities across the United States. The itive in Georgia, and state officials sively; compare delivery options and failure of policymakers at every level continue to work proactively to en- evaluate cost effectiveness early in the of government to improve our phys- sure that this trend continues.

7 EDUCATION COMMITTEE SESSION SUMMARY

SUNDAY, JULY 19 IMPLICATIONS OF ADOLESCENT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT ON EDUCATION POLICY Sheryl Feinstein, Ph. D., Dean, Department of Education, University of Nebraska Laurie Cutting, Ph. D., Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Special Education, Psychology, Radiology, and Pediatrics; Principal Investigator, Education and Brain Sciences Research Lab, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee Senator John Unger II MONDAY, JULY 20 West Virginia CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION Chair Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner, Technical College System of Georgia YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IMPLICATIONS OF ADOLESCENT Elizabeth Gaines, Vice President, Policy Solutions, The Forum for Youth Investment, BRAIN DEVELOPMENT ON Washington, D.C. EDUCATION POLICY Thomas Gold, Ph.D., Vice President, Research and Evaluation, Network for Teaching During the teenage years, there is Entrepreneurship, New York an over-production of dendrites and synaptic connections, making learn- ronment, those substances are tapping ing easier and more efficient. This into a much more robust habit-form- over-production occurs only twice ing capability. in the human lifespan: once in early childhood and again during ado- Brain development and education lescence. Synaptic connections grow are dynamic and interactive process- where adolescents spend their time. es: while the brain impacts our abil- If they are reading, writing, or study- ity to learn, our learning environ- ing mathematics and science, they will ment also shapes the brain. There are grow dendrites associated with that many implications of this interplay information. The more one neuron for educational neuroscience. Adults fires with another neuron, the stron- need to foster identity development ger the connection becomes and the and autonomy so that well-adjusted more the knowledge is mastered. teenagers are a more likely outcome. dents to retirees, with tuition waivers The importance of service and multi- for seniors aged 62 and older. The av- The brain's "white matter" connects generational encounters for the teen- erage student is 28 years-old. nerve signals so they can flow freely ager should not be underestimated, between different parts of the brain. In as it helps them gain perspective on Using the annual tuition and fee cost teenagers, the part that governs judg- their life and also builds self-esteem. methodology developed by the South- ment is the last to be fully connected. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ern Regional Education Board, TCSG Poor decision-making, an inability to students receiving HOPE Grants paid envision consequences, and perceived First formed in 1988 as the Depart- only $1,170 for the year in the 2013- invincibility put teenagers at risk. Ad- ment of Technical and Adult Educa- 2014 academic year. During this peri- diction has been shown to be a learned tion, the Technical College System of od, 57 percent of students received a behavior. The over-production of den- Georgia (TCSG) has three components: HOPE award. drites and synaptic connections causes adult education, technical education, adolescents to become addicted more and economic development. This sin- When TCGS examined how to drive quickly to cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. gle statewide system consists of 22 col- education in Georgia, three areas were Given that teenage brain chemistry is leges, 85 campuses and 33 College & identified: strategic industries in areas tuned to be responsive to everything Career Academies serving more than defined by the Governor’s High- in its environment, if potent psycho- 244,000 students. The system offers Demand Career Initiative; College & active drugs suddenly enter that envi- lifelong learning, for middle school stu- Career Academies; and the new Move

8 ELECTION OF OFFICERS The Education Committee elected Senator Dolores Gresham, Tennessee, to serve as the Committee’s chair, and Representative Tom Dickson, Geor- gia, to serve as the Committee’s vice chair for 2015-2016.

ing the economy exceeded those en- tering it. There also is a talent shortage: 52 percent of employers report difficulty in finding the right talent.

Entrepreneurship education focus- On When Ready program, which ex- education and/or into a job after high es on developing specific skills and pands pathways for dual enrollment school. knowledge related to business cre- in the state. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND ation. These programs are common at the university level and growing Students who enroll in one of the 10 ENTREPRENEURSHIP in elementary and high schools. Mid- strategic industry program areas receive In 2008, after a decade of research, dle and high school programs gen- the Strategic Industry Workforce De- testing and refining a strategy to fun- erally are taught in-person and on- velopment Grant and have no out-of- damentally alter the way their commu- line, led by certified teachers, and in- pocket cost for tuition. These grants nities and states work with young peo- volve coaching or mentoring from were created in partnership with the ple, The Forum for Youth Investment local businesspeople. An experien- Georgia Student Finance Commission launched Ready by 21. This initiative tial curriculum helps students learn and are designed to supplement HOPE focuses on a set of innovative strate- through project-based, real world ex- awards. There are 141 strategic indus- gies that help communities and states periments. In addition, competitions try programs, identified as those with improve the odds that all children and can challenge students and reinforce high demand for workers, and a high youth will be ready for college, work knowledge. Volunteers may be used placement and wage rate. and life. Working in partnership with to coach students, judge competitions government, business, education and and support students and teachers. The system’s College & Career Acade- nonprofits, they provide a framework, mies (CCAs) are charged with prepar- coaching and tools for leaders. States can play a role in developing ing tomorrow's workforce through and promoting youth entrepreneur- partnerships with TCSG, as well as State funding for youth development ship by developing clear entrepre- local boards of education and business can be a tangled web of services provid- neurial education standards. Cur- communities. These partnerships fo- ed by numerous, often disconnected, rent standards vary by state and often cus on local workforce development entities. Concentrating these services are couched within career and tech- and emphasize preparing high school into one pipeline of education, learning nical education or other tracks. Stan- students for a 21st century workforce. and engagement support, and basic ser- dards for entrepreneurship education Currently, Georgia's 33 CCAs serve vices can provide a more efficient deliv- should be elevated and offer a path more than 15,000 students. ery system and have a greater collective to certification. Next, states can en- impact. Further, state governments gage in rigorous research on the im- Students find the challenging, hands-on should consider focusing resources into plementation and impact of entrepre- programs relevant and valuable. College youth development programs, encour- neurship and other experiential pro- & Career Academies generally experi- age partnerships, and enhancing the grams; enhance education data sys- ence an increase in graduation rates— collective impact of programs. tems to enable researchers to follow CCA students who are dual-enrolled students from school to the work- typically have a 95 percent graduation One component of youth develop- force; support researcher-practitioner rate—and an increase in student tran- ment, the fostering of entrepreneur- partnerships between districts and sitions. Academies around the state ialism, has seen a decline in recent local universities; and identify oppor- have demonstrated 98 percent place- years. In 2014, for the first time in 30 tunities to conduct experimental re- ment rates straight into post-secondary years, the percentage of firms depart- search studies.

9 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE SESSION SUMMARY

SUNDAY, JULY 19 NET METERING Representative William "Bill" E. Sandifer, South Carolina Dukes Scott, Executive Director, Office of Regulatory Staff, South Carolina NUCLEAR GENERATION IN SLC STATES Michael McGarey, Senior Director, State and Local Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute Representative Todd Yelverton, Commercial Director of Nuclear Development at Georgia Power, William “Bill” E. Sandifer III Southern Company South Carolina MONDAY, JULY 20 Chair DROUGHT, WATER CONSERVATION INITIATIVES Representative Lyle Larson, Texas NET METERING Senator Eddie Fields, Oklahoma Energy policies in Southern states are BRIEFING FROM THE DOE undergoing substantial changes as in- Karen Wayland, Ph.D., Deputy Director for State and Local Cooperation, stallations of distributed generation Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. systems, such as rooftop solar panels and other small-scale renewable energy technologies, continue to expand. This growth has been encouraged by state and federal tax credits, which have made renewable energy technology increasingly affordable. Fur- ther encouraging these installations is the availability of net metering programs, whereby customers who gen- erate some of their own electricity are able to offset electricity bills by selling their excess power back to a utility provider. Of the 15 SLC states, 11 have statewide net metering policies.

Passed by the South Carolina Gener- al Assembly and signed into law by the tial customers with systems of 1,000 NUCLEAR GENERATION governor in 2014, Senate Bill 1189 cre- kW in capacity or less. Meanwhile, IN SLC STATES ated the voluntary Distributed Energy the utility provider is responsible for Nuclear energy is a proven and inno- Resources Program and ordered the maintaining an account of total elec- vative technology, with more than 50 state Public Service Commission to tricity produced and consumed. When years of safe and reliable operation in develop new net metering rules. Dur- more electricity is produced than con- the United States. Although initial li- ing the rule-making process, the Of- sumed in a month, excess credits carry censes for nuclear reactors are typically fice of Regulatory Staff facilitated di- over to the next month. Electric util- issued for 60 years, reactors frequently alogue among 17 stakeholder groups, ities are required to compensate cus- exhibit strong performance well be- including major corporations, inves- tomer-generators for any excess elec- yond 60 years. Nationwide, 78 reactors tor-owned utilities, environmental tric production on an annual basis at have received approval for a license ex- groups and consumer advocates. the avoided cost rate. Notably, the law tension, 17 reactors are under review ensures that all consumers continue for extension and eight reactors intend Net metering in South Carolina is to contribute to the ongoing mainte- to apply for license renewal. As the na- limited to residential and nonresiden- nance of the electrical grid. tion moves to reduce carbon emissions,

10 ELECTION OF OFFICERS factors can create water shortages. To ing on responsible water use and pro- offset or prevent water scarcity, many moting greater water efficiency and The Energy & Environment Com- states in the South, such as Texas and drought resiliency. These grants were mittee re-elected Representative Oklahoma, have adopted creative wa- awarded to four communities and re- William “Bill” E. Sandifer III, South ter management solutions. sulted in a savings of approximately 23 Carolina, to serve as the Commit- million gallons of water annually. tee’s chair, and Representative Lynn In 2011, the majority of Texas expe- Smith, Georgia, to serve as the Com- BRIEFING FROM THE DOE rienced a D4 “exceptional drought.” mittee’s vice chair for 2015-2016. This unprecedented drought prompt- Affordable, clean and secure ener- ed state leaders to enhance their water gy and energy services are essential nuclear energy facilities may become management and preparedness. Texas for improving U.S. economic pro- increasingly important in the stability has 2.7 million acre-feet, or 880 tril- ductivity, enhancing the quality of of the U.S. power system as carbon- lion gallons of brackish groundwater life, preserving the environment, neutral baseload energy providers. under its surface, though it remains and protecting national security. To a largely untapped resource. To en- ensure the nation has the resources Southern states are leading a nuclear courage greater utilization of this re- and infrastructure necessary to sup- energy renaissance: currently, there source, House Bill 30, passed in 2015, port an expanding economy, a Presi- are five nuclear energy units under requires the Texas Water Devel- dential Memorandum was issued on construction in the United States and opment Board to study and identi- January 9, 2014, directing the admin- all five are located in Southern states. fy highly productive brackish zones. istration to conduct a Quadrennial En- Watts Bar 2 in Tennessee is scheduled The state also is conserving its water ergy Review (QER). to become operational first, followed resources by transitioning from sur- by Georgia’s Vogtle 3 & 4 and, final- face reservoirs to underground res- The first QER focuses on energy in- ly, Summer 2 & 3 in South Carolina. ervoir storage. Transitioning to un- frastructure and identifies the threats, When completed, the Vogtle fleet will derground storage ensures the state risks, and opportunities for U.S. en- be the largest nuclear energy facility is able to protect water in the reser- ergy and climate security. The QER in the United States. Collectively, the voirs from evaporation. By developing provides a 10-year roadmap that out- units are expected to power more than access to brackish groundwater and lines federal energy policy objectives, one million homes and businesses. Cur- transitioning to underground reser- legislative proposals to Congress, Ex- rently the largest job-producing project voir storage, the state will enhance its ecutive actions, and financing and in the state, Vogtle 3 & 4 employs 5,500 drought preparedness. incentive programs. Some of the workers and creates 800 permanent recently released recommendations in- jobs when operation begins. The eco- Like many states, Oklahoma has ex- clude: establishing a $2.5 billion - $3.5 nomic stimulation of nuclear energy perienced many years of drought dur- billion competitive financial assistance facility construction extends beyond ing the last decade. These drought program to accelerate pipeline re- job creation and can result in the reduc- events cause a decrease in precipita- placement and enhance maintenance tion of consumer power bills, making tion, stream flows, soil moisture, an programs for natural gas distribution nuclear energy an attractive source of increase in fire risk and have pro- systems; providing $350 million - $500 baseload energy. found consequences for agriculture, million to support updating and ex- DROUGHT, WATER industry, tourism and recreation. To pansion of state energy assurance address these impacts, the state un- plans; creating a $3 billion - $3.5 bil- CONSERVATION INITIATIVES dertook an update to its comprehen- lion competitive grant program to Abundant water for drinking, sani- sive water management plan, Water promote innovative solutions to ener- tation, industry, irrigation, transpor- for 2060. This update resulted in the gy infrastructure resilience, reliability tation and recreation has been a hall- recommendation of eight consider- and security; analyzing the policies, mark of the South. However, devel- ations for a more secure water future: technical specifications, and logistical opment pressure, changes in precipi- conservation, reuse and recycling; in- and program structures needed to mit- tation patterns, and transitioning pri- frastructure financing; monitoring; igate the risks associated with loss of orities and consumption levels have supply reliability; fish and recreation transformers; and assessing the need caused a shift in the water supply. Wa- flows; a balancing of excess/surplus; for additional or expanded regional ter resource scarcity can affect many state/tribal partnerships; and regional product reserves. Continuing to mon- sectors of the economy as well as the planning. In fiscal year 2014, the state itor and improve America’s energy region's natural ecosystems. Periodic made a supplemental appropriation of infrastructure can help ensure a pros- droughts, overconsumption, and other $1.5 million for drought grants, focus- perous national energy future.

11 LEGISLATIVE FISCAL PLENARY SUMMARY

SUNDAY, JULY 19 PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY: SLC STATE EFFORTS TO PROMOTE A 21ST CENTURY WORKFORCE Jackie Rohosky, Assistant Commissioner, Georgia Quick Start J. Edward (Ted) Townsend III, Chief of Staff, Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee John “Jay” Neely III, Vice President, Law and Public Affairs, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Georgia

PRESIDING

Senator Roman Prezioso West Virginia Chair, Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations Committee

PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY Georgia’s Quick Start program, the larly in the manufacturing arena, re- company’s top-of-the-line aircraft, state’s workforce training program, quires a highly trained, competent and priced at $67 million. Gulfstream em- has been rated the nation’s top ranked motivated workforce. A steady pipe- ploys more than 16,500 people at 12 program by industry publications, site line of qualified candidates remains major locations on four continents, selection professionals and media out- imperative for companies to thrive in and there are about 2,400 Gulfstream lets for the past 15 years. A division of Tennessee. To create the most con- jets in service around the world. Of the Technical College System of Geor- ducive environment for this scenario, the company’s total employees, more gia, Quick Start designs, develops and Governor Haslam initiated the Drive than 10,500 work at the Savannah lo- delivers customized, strategic work- to 55, an initiative far beyond provid- cation. In 2006 and 2010, Gulfstream force solutions—free of charge—to ing higher education opportunities; a injected nearly $1 billion in capital to companies locating or expanding in the mission encompassing workforce and expand its Savannah location, creat- state. Quick Start relies on a unique, economic development with the twin ing an additional 5,000 new jobs. time-tested process that hinges on a goals of reducing unemployment and fully integrated partnership with each improving quality of life. Another re- A highly-trained and skilled work- client company to deliver customized lated measure involves an initiative force is a huge priority for Gulf- workforce training programs aligned led by Senate Majority Leader Mark stream, and the company collaborates with the company’s schedule. Cre- Norris, the TN LEAP (Labor Educa- closely with a number of key partners ated in 1967, Quick Start has trained tion Alignment Program), an effort to (Georgia QuickStart, technical colleg- more than 1.1 million workers at near- ensure that the state’s postsecondary es, universities, Georgia Department ly 6,700 projects in a wide range of institutions are producing the skills of Economic Development, elemen- industries including traditional man- and credentials that Tennessee em- tary, middle and high schools, along ufacturing; advanced manufacturing; ployers require. with other companies) to achieve biomanufacturing; warehouse/distri- this objective. Gulfstream’s outreach bution; customer service/customer Gulfstream is a leading manufacturer programs to train high school stu- contact; and headquarters operations. of the world’s most advanced business dents for possible employment in the aircraft, headquartered in Savannah, company has resulted in more than Governor Bill Haslam and the state of Georgia, since 1967. Currently, Gulf- 700 students working in apprentice- Tennessee are focused on the fact that stream manufactures eight different ship programs at Gulfstream sites in creating superior products, particu- models, including the G650 ER, the Georgia and Wisconsin.

12 FISCAL AFFAIRS & GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE SESSION SUMMARY

MONDAY, JULY 20 ELECTION OF OFFICERS PUBLIC PENSION ENVIRONMENT: TRENDS FROM THE STATES The Fiscal Affairs & Government Senator Dan Biss, Illinois Operations Committee re-elected Paula Sanford, Ph.D., Carl Vinson Institute, University of Georgia Senator Roman Prezioso, West HOW AND WHY DO THE RATINGS AGENCIES ARRIVE AT DIFFERENT CONCLUSIONS? Virginia, to serve as the Commit- Alan Schankel, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, Pennsylvania tee’s chair, and Senate President Pro Tempore Jonathan Dismang, Ar- kansas, to serve as the Committee’s vice chair for 2015-2016.

bution, on a regular basis; adopt a consistent, long-term approach to invest- ing; rely on realistic actuarial assump- tions; regularly update demographic tables; and create partnerships between the legislative and executive branches to resolve pension issues. HOW AND WHY DO THE RATINGS AGENCIES ARRIVE AT DIFFERENT CONCLUSIONS? The main rating agencies in the United States are Moody’s (established in 1900 with 15,700 municipal issuer ratings), PUBLIC PENSION ENVIRONMENT: plan, the Illinois Secure Choice Sav- Standard & Poor’s (established in 1860 TRENDS FROM THE STATES ings Program was enacted into law with 16,500 municipal issuer ratings), Beyond the issue of public pension in January 2015. Consequently, start- Fitch (established in 1913 with 2,800 challenges, a majority of American ing in 2017, most state residents with municipal issuer ratings) and relative households face a retirement savings jobs who don’t already have a retire- newcomer, Kroll (established in 2010 gap. For instance, 92 percent of work- ment plan at work automatically will with 100 municipal issuer ratings). An ing households fall short of retire- be enrolled in individual retirement entity like Moody’s structures its state ment savings targets for their age accounts, funded through a 3 percent rating framework by assigning equal and income based on retirement ac- deduction from their paychecks. weight to the state’s economy, gover- count assets; in addition, four out of nance, debt/pensions, and additional five working households have retire- A review of the actuarial funded ratios weight to the state’s financial strength ment savings less than their current of state and local government pension represented by such criteria as diver- annual income. Another impediment plans reveals a decline, from 95 percent sity, volatility and growth in revenue to ensuring the retirement securi- in 2002, to 74 percent in 2014. While alongside the state’s fund balance as a ty of Americans is the fact that many there is a great deal of variation among percent of revenue, cash management workers, public and private, do not the states, the median funding status for and liquidity levels. While there are have access to a retirement plan. For all plans stood at 69 percent during the many similarities in how the agencies instance, in Illinois, nearly 54 per- 2013 review period. In an effort to bol- determine their ratings, there are sub- cent of private sector workers (some ster the funding position of these public tle differences: for instance, Moody’s 2.5 million individuals), lacked access pension plans, experts recommend that places greater emphasis on debt and to an employment-based retirement state and local governments make their pensions while Standard & Poor’s plan. In response to this urgent need actuarially required contribution, or ac- places heavier focus on institutional for an easily accessible retirement tuarially determined employer contri- framework and management.

13 HUMAN SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE SESSION SUMMARY

SUNDAY, JULY 19 JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM IN THE SLC STATES Ruth Rosenthal, Senior Associate, The PEW Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C. Honorable Steven C. Teske, Clayton County Juvenile Court, Georgia Senator Whitney Westerfield, Kentucky MEDICAID SERVICE DELIVERY: HEALTH HOME MODEL Representative Joni Jenkins Daniel Landon, Senior Vice President of Governmental Relations, Missouri Hospital Kentucky Association Chair Michael S. Varadian, former Senior and National Director of Health Reform, Providence Service Corporation, Massachusetts JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM Tom Wroth, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Community Care of North Carolina IN SLC STATES MONDAY, JULY 20 Several studies have shown that the SPECIALTY COURTS IN THE SLC STATES recidivism rate of juveniles placed in Honorable Junius P. Fulton III, Circuit Court of Norfolk, Virginia correctional facilities is no better than Honorable Stephen Goss, Superior Court, Dougherty Circuit, Georgia juveniles placed on probation. Addi- Honorable Amanda H. Mercier, Superior Court, Appalachian Circuit, Georgia tionally, low-level offenders who spent time in these facilities were more likely to re-offend after release than if they had received community-based treatment for the initial offense. Faced with rising costs and a growing body of research that shows extended placement in out-of-home facilities fails to pro- duce the desired outcomes, and may even do more harm than good, many states are adopting alternatives to incarceration to reduce juvenile recidivism rates and to save money.

In 2012, the Special Council on Crim- and low-level offenders accounted for than half of Kentucky’s Department of inal Justice Reform for Georgians be- more than half of non-secure residents. Juvenile Justice budget was devoted to gan an in-depth examination of the These findings, among others, drove secure and non-secure residential facil- state’s juvenile justice system. At that Georgia’s search for more successful al- ities. Likewise, the Task Force discov- time, nearly two-thirds of Georgia’s ternatives to youth incarceration. ered that 13 percent of juveniles con- Department of Juvenile Justice bud- fined in out-of-home placements were get was directed toward out-of-home In 2013, the Georgia General Assembly status offenders, and low-level offend- facilities. On average, the annual cost passed a package of juvenile reforms, ers accounted for the majority of juve- was more than $91,000 per bed in se- based on recommendations from the niles in secure detention facilities. In cure residential facilities, and almost Council, which are expected to save 2014, the General Assembly adopted a $29,000 per juvenile in non-secure fa- nearly $85 million through 2018 and package of juvenile justice reforms pro- cilities. Moreover, the recidivism rates avoid the need for two new juvenile jected to reduce the state’s out-of-home were 65 percent and 53 percent, re- residential facilities. Also in 2013, the placements by more than one-third and spectively, within three years of re- Kentucky Task Force on the Unified save $24 million over five years. lease. Almost one-quarter of juveniles Juvenile Code began an in-depth exam- in residential facilities were adjudicat- ination of the commonwealth’s juvenile The reforms passed in both states focus ed for misdemeanor or status offenses, justice system. Similar to Georgia, more on advancing three key priorities. The

14 and family support services, and re- utilization. Through informatics with ELECTION OF OFFICERS ferrals to community and social sup- analytics, reporting, clinical applica- The Human Services & Public Safety port services. Traditionally, 5 percent tions, and a shared care management Committee re-elected Representa- of non-elderly Medicaid patients ac- platform, they use data to inform de- tive Joni Jenkins, Kentucky, to serve count for half of Medicaid costs. Be- cisions and focus efforts. The state has as the Committee’s chair, and Sen- cause these patients often suffer from seen a 20 percent reduction in hospital ator Doug Overbey, Tennessee, to multiple chronic and behavioral health readmissions for patients in the tran- serve as the Committee’s vice chair conditions, providing better-managed sitional program; consistent reduction for 2015-2016. care can help improve their health and in PMPM spending trends as compared reduce the cost of their care over time. to those not enrolled in CCNC; and a first is to reserve the most expensive savings of about $184 million over five resources for the most serious offend- In 2011, Missouri became one of the years, with higher savings for patients ers. Both states now prohibit residen- first states to adopt the health home with multiple chronic conditions. tial commitment for most status and model. The state first identified the SPECIALTY COURTS IN SLC STATES low-level offenders and allow for the most costly “superutilizers” as those seriousness of the offense and risk of with medical costs above $2,600 and Since the nation’s first drug court re-offending to be considered in sanc- two or more of the following condi- opened in 1989, a variety of problem- tion or diversion decisions. The second tions: diabetes, cardiovascular issues, solving courts have emerged across is to strengthen the use of evidence- chronic obstructive pulmonary dis- the nation. With the establishment of based practices. Each state is providing ease or asthma, overweight, devel- courts focusing on mental health, drug financial incentives to local commu- opmental disabilities, tobacco use, abuse, homelessness, veterans, and a nities to expand their evidence-based or serious mental illness. Then, the variety of other issues, states have em- programs and utilizing assessment in- state began providing targeted man- braced this alternative approach to re- struments and other proven tools for aged care through behavioral health duce recidivism by addressing the un- better-informed decision-making. Fi- homes at community mental health derlying issues of new and repeat of- nally, each state is committed to im- centers (CMHC) and primary care fenders. A significant percentage of proving government performance and health homes (PCHHs) at hospitals “high-risk high-needs” individuals who accountability with increased data col- and federally qualified health centers. come before a court suffer from con- lection and performance measures. Initial funding for PCHHs came from current substance abuse and mental MEDICAID HEALTH HOME MODEL redirecting an existing hospital pro- health or behavioral disorders and, in vider tax. Through the first 18 months most cases, one leads to the other. The As states across the country grapple of implementation, the state estimates targeted approach of specialty courts with myriad Medicaid-related issues, more than 20,000 CMHC enrollees helps address these issues outside of some states have begun to explore al- and a total savings of $15.7 million, confinement and helps states redirect ternative service delivery models to with a $76.33 per member per month their spending to reserve space in cor- contain costs and reduce the preva- (PMPM) savings. For PCHHs, the total rectional and mental health facilities lence of chronic conditions among savings are expected to be about $7.4 for those who need it most. Medicaid enrollees. One such alter- million, with a $30.79 PMPM savings, native is the health home model, au- and 23,354 enrollees. Successful specialty court programs not thorized under the federal Affordable only require the complete commitment Care Act, which targets individuals Unlike most states, North Carolina of the offender, but also the dedication suffering from multiple chronic con- already had a strong statewide medi- of judges to move beyond the bench ditions by building on the coordinat- cal home program and infrastructure to act as more of a “social worker” for ed care principles of patient-centered into which it was able to integrate the each defendant. While the prevalence medical homes, while also integrating health home model in 2011. Com- of these programs has grown rapidly, behavioral healthcare and long-term munity Care North Carolina (CCNC) outdated sentencing statutes and man- services. By March 2014, 27 health comprises 1,800 medical homes across datory minimums can prevent judg- home programs were being imple- 14 regional networks. Each network es from being able to divert some of- mented in 19 states. has a medical team with a clinical and fenders who could benefit the most. As network director, pharmacist, psychi- states continue to examine their crimi- Core health home services include atrist, obstetrician, palliative care and nal justice practices, specialty courts can comprehensive care management and chronic pain coordinators, and care be a powerful tool for rehabilitation, coordination, health promotion, com- managers who target individuals at risk public safety, and fiscal savings when prehensive transitional care, individual for poor outcomes or high healthcare coupled with complementary policies.

15 LEGISLATIVE STAFF WORKSHOP SUMMARY

SATURDAY, JULY 18 PAPERLESS TECHNOLOGY IN SLC LEGISLATURES Russell Humphrey, Chief Clerk of the Senate, Tennessee Vinay Dattu, Director of Information Technology, Legislative Services, Tennessee Dean Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Georgia Technology Authority THE SUPREME COURT AND THE STATES: Marty Garrity BRIEFING FROM THE STATE AND LOCAL LEGAL CENTER Director Lisa Soronen, Executive Director, State and Local Legal Center, Washington, D.C. Bureau of Legislative Research LEGISLATIVE STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION Arkansas Chair Elizabeth Kellar, President and CEO, Center for State and Local Government Excellence, Washington, D.C. POLITICAL HISTORY OF GEORGIA PAPERLESS TECHNOLOGY Todd Groce, Ph . D., President and CEO, Georgia Historical Society IN SLC LEGISLATURES States consistently are improving their use of technology to better serve concurrently in use; evaluating informa- THE SUPREME COURT stituents and to increase efficiency tion security; considering both desk- AND THE STATES in the legislative process. Most SLC top and mobile users; examining op- The Supreme Court of the United member states have converted one or portunities for cloud solutions; and States has been the source of much more legislative activities, such as bill evaluating a vendor’s customer ser- political and legal discussion during drafting and calendar distribution, to vice offerings. its 2014-2015 term, handing down a paperless model. Doing so can save a number of recent groundbreaking thousands of dollars through the re- One initiative undertaken by an SLC and controversial decisions, such as duction of paper use. state is the Tennessee Dashboard, a those pertaining to Medicaid reim- two-year project that transitioned bursement, same-sex marriage and an- In most states, adoption has been in- schedules, calendars, amendments, titrust laws. A review of these decisions cremental, with an emphasis on pro- staff analysis, legal analysis, fiscal shows that their impact extends beyond cess revision. Although cost reduction notes and memos to a paperless mod- the litigants. is a priority for many, other incen- el. With the clerk of the Senate leading tives include efficiency, process im- the project, the director of Informa- The 6-3 decision in King v. Burwell provement and enhanced user experi- tion Technology for Tennessee Leg- ruled that health insurance tax cred- ence. When considering taking steps islative Services and an outside con- its are available in the 34 states that toward paperless systems, it is impor- tractor created a seamless cross-plat- have a Federal Exchange. The ques- tant to complete a thorough evalua- form application that provides secure, tion in this case was whether a Fed- tion of business needs and processes; real-time updates to legislators on any eral Exchange is “an Exchange estab- clearly identify goals and objectives; smartphone, tablet, laptop or comput- lished by the state” that may, therefore, foster a climate of excitement around er. Through an 89 percent reduction offer tax credits. The Court conclud- the transition; address fears and res- in labor hours and a 95 percent reduced that the above language is ambigu- ervations directly; and be transpar- tion in printing costs, the Tennessee ous, but by looking at it in the context ent in communicating the pros and Dashboard has produced a return on of the entire statute the meaning of the cons of how the new software imple- investment of 600 percent. The ap- language became clearer. Specifical- mentation will affect staff and mem- plication emphasizes legislators’ need ly, if tax credits were not available on bers when transitioning to a paperless to communicate, collaborate and ex- Federal Exchanges, “it would destabi- system. Best practices include under- ecute laws at any time from any loca- lize the individual insurance market in standing the users’ needs; calculating tion. The Tennessee Dashboard mod- any state with a Federal Exchange, and anticipated costs; ensuring the new el is available to any state that wishes likely create the very ‘death spirals’ that system integrates with the software to implement it, free of charge. Congress designed the Act to avoid.”

16 ticulation requirement was met and agreed the Board wasn’t actively supervised by the state. LEGISLATIVE STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION As they endeavor to build the work- forces essential to executing their mis- sions, legislative directors recognize that they are competing with the private sector for talent and that they face significant challenges in attracting and retaining their best people. Research shows that people stay in a job or leave it for a range of reasons. Top perform- ers want to be well compensated, of course, but they also seek other kinds of satisfaction, primarily related to their learning, growth and opportunities to make a positive difference.

Today, states have an older, more ed- ucated workforce. The average age of private sector employees is 39, whereas the average age of state and local government employees is 45. Tradition- ally, states have relied on recruitment tools such as wages, benefits, flexible practices, and the opportunity to serve the public and gain unique experiences. In a 5-4 decision written by Justice In North Carolina State Board of Dental Attracting and retaining talent requires Kennedy, the Supreme Court held, Examiners v. FTC, the Supreme Court changes in recruitment practices, in- in Obergefell v. Hodges, that same-sex held 6-3 that state immunity from an- centives for older workers, and staff couples have a constitutional right titrust law applies only if the majori- development. With an aging work- to marry. The Court articulated four ty of state board members are active force, it is important to practice succes- principles that demonstrate why the market participants. After the North sion planning and groom younger tal- fundamental right to marry applies Carolina State Board of Dental Ex- ent to transition into leadership roles. with equal force to same-sex couples. aminers issued cease-and-desist let- Ultimately, studies show that employ- First, the right to choose who you mar- ters to non-dentist teeth whitening ees want intergenerational workplac- ry is “inherent in the concept of indi- service providers, the Federal Trade es that offer cross-cutting assignments, vidual autonomy.” Second, because the Commission charged it with violat- outlets for environmental interests and right to marry is “unlike any other in ing federal antitrust law. According to speedier recruitment processes. its importance” it should not be denied the Court, non-sovereign entities con- POLITICAL HISTORY OF GEORGIA to any two-person union. Third, mar- trolled by active market participants riage between same-sex couples safe- receive state-action immunity only if In many ways, Georgia’s history is in- guards children and families just as it the challenged restraint is clearly artic- tegrally linked to that of the rest of the does for opposite-sex couples. Finally, ulated in state policy and the policy is South. To acquaint participants with marriage is a keystone of American so- actively supervised by the state. With- the state’s legacy, this session featured cial order from which no one should be out active supervision, the Court rea- a presentation on the political history excluded. With this ruling, the Court soned, agencies, boards, and commis- of Georgia, focusing on the last three struck down the remaining bans on sions made up of a majority of market centuries of the state’s history from same-sex marriage in 13 states and re- participants may act in their own in- its Colonial roots, to the height of the affirmed federal court opinions doing terest rather than the public interest. Plantation Era, through the sweeping so in 20 other states. Here the parties assumed the clear ar- changes of the Progressive Era.

17 COMMITTEE TECHNICAL TOURS

GULFSTREAM AND THE PORT OF SAVANNAH Highlighting the interdisciplinary na- ture of policy making, three SLC Com- mittees undertook a joint Technical Tour focusing on the connections between career and technical education, workforce development, economic expansion and environmental steward- ship. Beginning with a briefing from the president of Savannah Technical College, participants learned about the College’s Aviation Training Center, which provides Georgia’s aviation industry with the highly skilled workforce required for aircraft design, assembly and maintenance operations, and represents a state effort to resolve the limited availability of workers with aviation-specific technical skills. Tour participants then visited Gulf- stream's headquarters in Savannah and the Port of Savannah.

At Gulfstream, participants learned about the economic impact the company has on the region, construction of the company’s latest aircraft (G650 ER), as well as steps Gulfstream has taken to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions through their aircraft design. On the Port of Savan- nah tour, participants were briefed on the Port’s economic impact on the state and national economy; impact of the expansion of the Panama Canal; infrastructure enhancements and multi- modal improvements at the Port; and grass to raise their own cattle. Much tobacco lofts offer visitors a chance to environmental issues associated with to their surprise, friends and family experience farm living with an over- the Savannah River deepening project. soon began to express interest in pur- night stay and hands-on involvement HUNTER CATTLE COMPANY chasing their grass-fed beef. Today, in the daily chores of life on a farm. the family-owned and operated Hunt- Guided by members of the Ferguson More than a decade ago, Del and Deb- er Cattle Company has grown from family on a tour of the farm, process- ra Ferguson moved their family to selling its beef at farmer’s markets to ing facilities, barn lofts, and general Brooklet, Georgia, in search of a dif- processing and selling their award- store, participants learned more about ferent way of life. Desiring more con- winning products, which now in- this family-run, Georgia Grown opera- trol over their own food and learn- clude pastured pork, free-range chick- tion, including the rewards and chal- ing as they went, the Ferguson fami- ens, and eggs, on site and throughout lenges faced by many rural and small ly began building fences and planting coastal Georgia. In addition, converted businesses.

18 STATE TRANSFORMATION IN ACTION RECOGNITION (STAR) JUDGES PANEL

Wayne Willcox, Chief of Police, Cyber Forensics Linda Ford, Assistant Commissioner of Governmental Affairs, and Robin Sheldon, Deputy Director for Division, Armstrong State University, Georgia Strategic Management Services, of the Vital Records Program of Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles

CYBER FORENSICS DIVISION, equipment, students learn how to re- cates of birth, death, marriage and di- ARMSTRONG STATE trieve digital evidence in a real-world vorce, or contact the Division to have UNIVERSITY, GEORGIA setting through labwork modeled after the records mailed. To make these re- Cyber forensics labs retrieve deleted actual cases. The Division has reduced cords more accessible, the DMV and or corrupted data from digital devices Georgia’s cyber forensics backlog from VDH collaborated to offer print cop- such as computers, cell phones, tablets, seven to 12 months to 30 days or less, ies at any of the DMV’s 75 fixed loca- and vehicle GPS. Due to the increased and has achieved high placement rates tions and five mobile offices. prevalence of cybercrime and digital for its interns post-graduation. evidence, however, most cyber foren- VITAL RECORDS AT DMV, VIRGINIA The availability of vital records at the sic labs have backlogs of seven to 19 DMV has been particularly useful to months, by which time criminal cases In 2013, the Virginia General Assembly residents who need birth certificates may be dismissed. In order to reduce passed legislation requiring a stream- required to obtain a driver’s license or this backlog, the Cyber Forensics Di- lined system for the retrieval of vi- state-issued identification, as they may vision at Armstrong State Universi- tal records by March 1, 2014. In re- now access all necessary documentation ty opened its doors to state and feder- sponse, the Department of Motor Ve- in one place, at one time. The DMV real law enforcement. All campus police hicles (DMV) and the Department ports that 93 percent of its vital records are certified in digital forensics and, of Health (VDH) integrated systems, transactions have been successful. The using the University’s three Foren- controls, policies and procedures, and program’s use of the DMV’s service sic Evidence Recovery Devices, Cel- developed a web portal to connect the footprint improves state services while lebrite machine, and digital forensics DMV customer service application also reducing DMV wait times. In ad- software, the police examine evidence with the VDH vital records applica- dition, the program has proven trans- during uncommitted time. Relating tion. Prior to the implementation of ferable across agencies—the DMV has this work to the University mission, the Vital Records at DMV program, partnered to offer similar services for the campus police also train students in residents and Virginia natives had to Department of Transportation E-ZPass the criminal justice program through go to the Division of Vital Records in and Department of Game and Inland internships. Using the same laboratory Richmond to obtain copies of certifi- Fisheries hunting licenses.

19 CONFERENCE NOTES

THOMAS B. MURPHY CARTER/HELLARD POLICY POSITIONS ADOPTED AT LONGEVITY OF LEGISLATIVE STAFF THE 69TH SLC ANNUAL MEETING SERVICE AWARD AWARD The Southern Legislative Conference Representative Calvin The Carter/Hellard adopted five policy positions at the 69th Smyre, business ex- Award is present- Annual Meeting: ecutive, state legisla- ed to the individual tor, community and who, in the judgment 1. Regarding Transportation of national leader, began serving in the of the LSA Directors Group, has dem- Freight by Rail Georgia House of Representatives in onstrated excellence and dedication in 1975 as its youngest member at 26 staffing service to state legislators in 2. In Support of the State years of age. As a 40-year legislative the South.William “Bubba” Neely, Jr. Authorization Reciprocity veteran and one of the “Deans,” he of Mississippi was the recipient of the Agreement (SARA) serves on the most important panels 2015 Award. 3. Regarding Updating Net of the House. In the state’s budgetary Metering Policies process he serves on the Appropria- Bubba was employed by the Missis- tions Committee, which is responsible sippi Senate Legislative Services Of- 4. Regarding State Implementation for allocating the $22 billion state bud- fice in 1977, and the 2015 Regular Ses- Plans for the Proposed Clean th get. He also is a member of the pow- sion was his 38 year as staff attorney Power Plan erful calendar-setting Rules Commit- for the Senate. During his tenure, he tee and former chairman of the House has become an expert in all legislation 5. Regarding the Retention of the Minority Caucus. regarding state and local taxation and Current Air Quality Standard bonded indebtedness. Nationally, he was president of the To review these policy positions and National Black Caucus of State Legis- Bubba has a distinct talent for present- those of previous years, please visit lators; a member of the Assembly on ing legislative members with the facts www.slcatlanta.org/policy_positions/. State Issues of the National Confer- associated with policy and other stra- ence of State Legislatures; and serves tegic decisions while also maintaining Policy Positions of the Southern Legis- on the Financial Services Roundtable. the integrity of the non-partisan na- lative Conference shall sunset the first Representative Smyre has lectured at ture of his service. Highly sought after day of the following Annual Meeting. a number of colleges and universities for his fiscal expertise, Bubba has re- The SLC collaborated with the CSG and has received more than 200 local, mained in the public sector due to his Washington, D.C. office to forward state and national honors and awards. dedication to the legislative institution. the positions to the proper authorities. In 1985 and 2005, he was selected by his peers as the National “Legislator of the Year.” He has been honored twice COMPARATIVE DATA REPORTS as “Citizen of the Year” in his home- Comparative Data Reports (CDRs) are prepared annually by select SLC states’ town of Columbus. fiscal research departments. CDRs track a multitude of revenue sources and appropriations levels in Southern states and remain a useful tool to legislators CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION and legislative staff alike in determining their respective state spending. The reports presented at the SLC Annual Meeting were: The SLC continues to provide an ar- ray of services to its legislative mem- » Education - Hank Hager, Senate, West Virginia bers and staff by providing the » Transportation - John Snyder, Legislative Research Commission, Kentucky opportunity to earn Continuing Legal » Medicaid - Shawn Hotstream, Legislative Fiscal Office, Louisiana Education (CLE) credits for attending » Corrections - Matthew LaBruyere, Legislative Fiscal Office, Louisiana certified substantive sessions during » Revenue - Andrea Barksdale, Bureau of Legislative Research, Arkansas the Annual Meeting. For more infor- Comparative Data Reports are prepared under the auspices of the Conference’s mation regarding the annual meet- Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations Committee. Reports for 2015 and ing CLE accreditation, contact Lauren previous releases, dating back to 2000, are available through the SLC website Greer at [email protected], or the SLC of- at: www.slcatlanta.org/Publications/. fice by calling (404) 633-1866.

20 SPONSOR APPRECIATION

The Southern Legislative Conference extends special thanks to the following friends for their generous assistance with the general and substantive committee programs for our 69th Annual Meeting. We are grateful for their continued support and interest in the Conference.

SLC PROGRAM American Chemistry Council | Charter Communications | Chevron | Domtar GlaxoSmithKline | HCA | Johnson & Johnson | Marathon Petroleum Corporation SPONSORS Monsanto | Perdue Farms | Phillips 66 | Wells Fargo GEORGIA HOST STATE SPONSORS SILVER CONTRIBUTOR Altria Georgia Power Company Association of County Equifax Marathon Georgia Healthcare Association TMX Finance Commissioners Georgia Farm Petroleum Corp. of Georgia Bureau Monsanto BRONZE Carpet & Rug Georgia Natural Gas SCANA Energy Institute Georgia Optometric Technology AGL Resources GAPHC/NACHC Reynolds Caterpillar Association Association Anthem/ Centene/PeachState American, Inc. Chevron Georgia Studio & of Georgia Amerigroup/ Coca-Cola Select Management Children’s Healthcare Infrastructure Tennessee Valley Blue Cross Civil Justice PAC Resources of Atlanta Alliance Authority Blue Shield Gulfstream WellCare Corrections Independent University of AT&T Corporation Doctors of Phoenix SPONSOR of America Georgia Windstream AFLAC Georgia Electric HCA IN-KIND American Beverage Membership MGM Resorts Georgia Department 165th Airlift Wing Representative Association Cooperative Wal-Mart of Agriculture Color Guard Terry Rogers Georgia Department PATRON Aaron’s, Inc. Savannah Bee Company of Economic Aflac Savannah Candy Cancer Treatment Georgia Beer Johnson & Johnson Development America’s Second Kitchen Georgia House of Centers of Wholesalers Koch Industries Harvest of Coastal Savannah Chamber Representatives’ America Association Lockheed Martin Georgia of Commerce Clerk’s Office Armstrong Atlantic Savannah-Chatham Charter Georgia Department Norfolk Southern Georgia Medical Society State University County Legislative Communications of Labor Pfizer Georgia Peanut Byrd Cookie Company Delegation Comcast Georgia Hospital Phillips 66 Commission Chatham County Savannah College of Art Georgia Ports Authority General Electric Association The Guardian Center Mosquito Control and Design (SCAD) Georgia Southern Georgia Auto Dealers GlaxoSmithKline UPS City of Savannah, Savannah State University Association International Paper Waffle House Mayor Edna Jackson University Georgia State Patrol Communicorp Savannah Technical Gulfstream SUPPORTER Representative College Aerospace Corp. Sharon Cooper Southeastern PrinTech, American Chemistry Georgia Chamber Habersham Winery Sprint Denim North America Inc., Representative Hunter Cattle Company Council of Commerce Dickey Farms, Bill Werkheiser Sunovion International Paper Anheuser Busch Georgia Production Representative St. Joseph’s/Candler SunTrust Leopold’s Ice Cream CareSource Partnership Robert Dickey Hospital Medical Association T-Mobile Osjha Anderson Troutman Sanders CSX Transportation GTECH of Georgia The Hudson Group Domenicone Strategies Domtar The Home Depot Metro Atlanta Chamber Waste Management Mr. Jeff Foxworthy UGA Marine Research Georgia Apartment Kaiser of Commerce Georgia Association of Center and Aquarium Wells Fargo Moore Business Association Medical Association Convenience Stores University System The Williams Printing Georgia Association of Georgia Georgia Cotton of Georgia Companies Outdoor Advertising Commission Visit Savannah of Manufacturers Perdue Farms Association Wine & Spirits Georgia Dental Xerox Corporation Georgia Bankers Publix of Georgia Wholesalers Association YKK Association Rialto Capital RDB Marketing, Inc.

21 69TH SLC ANNUAL MEETING STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

SLC STAFF

SLC Director; COLLEEN Cousineau [email protected] CSG Deputy Executive Director SUJIT M. CanagaRetna [email protected] Fiscal Policy Manager LORI Moore [email protected] Director of Operations & Programs MIKKO Lindberg [email protected] Policy Analyst ANNE Roberts [email protected] Policy Analyst LAUREN Greer [email protected] Policy Analyst STEPHANIE Noble [email protected] Research & Publications Associate LILY Schieber [email protected] Administrative Coordinator NEIL Johnson [email protected] Operations Coordinator SLC ADJUNCT STAFF

SUSAN Lanter The Council of State Governments JOAN Minton Consultant HOST STATE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS MEMBERS

Senate President Pro Tem Senator Steve Gooch Representative Bob Bryant Representative Bill Hitchens David Shafer Senator Lester Jackson Representative Jon Burns Representative Jesse Petrea

Speaker Senator Jeff Mullis Representative Terry L. England Representative Mickey Stephens David Ralston Senator Ben Watson Representative Craig Gordon Representative Ron Stephens HOST STATE DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Kristy Lindstrom, Georgia House of Representatives HOST STATE VOLUNTEERS

Jeremy Arey Annette Culpepper Elizabeth Holcomb Betsy Lynch April Sigmund Jamie Baculi John Culverhouse Laura Hurd James McCarthy Olivia Sims Michael Bottoms Cynthia Danzey Ethan Hyde Debra Miller Michelle Spearman Dianna Brooks Belle Doss Talmadge James Donna Nealey Debra Stokes Jan Brown Emily Fisher Leishea Johnson Andrea Postell Shawn Marie Story JC Bryant Paula Foil Carl Johnson Sheila Raney Stephanie Tanner Debra Charnote Holli Gibbs Brett Johnson Gordon Rivers Kristin Tipton Brent Churchwell Courtenay Glanville Patrice Kerner Delane Roberts Carrie Vick Dell Claborn Dianne Hardin Jacqueline Leathers Julie Roser Morgan Walsh Melanie Collier Pat Harris Kristy Lindstrom Denese Sampson Anna Watkins Hayley Connor Jackie Hicks Kathy Little Dianne Scoggins Ashley Williams Brent Cranfield Robi Hilliard Herron Thomas Lowe

22 2015-2016 CONFERENCE AND COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Senate President Speaker Speaker Speaker

LEADERSHIP Robert Stivers Philip Gunn Chuck Kleckley David Ralston CONFERENCE CONFERENCE Kentucky Mississippi Louisiana Georgia Chair Chair Elect Vice Chair Immediate Past Chair ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORTATION & AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Representative Tom McKee Senator Danny Verdin III Senator Jeff Mullis Representative Brent Yonts Kentucky South Carolina Georgia Kentucky Chair Vice Chair Chair Vice Chair EDUCATION ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Senator Representative Representative Representative Dolores Gresham Tom Dickson William “Bill” E. Sandifer III Lynn Smith Tennessee Georgia South Carolina Georgia Chair Vice Chair Chair Vice Chair FISCAL AFFAIRS & GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS HUMAN SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Senator Senate President Pro Tempore Representative Senator Roman Prezioso Jonathan Dismang Joni Jenkins Doug Overbey West Virginia Arkansas Kentucky Tennessee Chair Vice Chair Chair Vice Chair LEGISLATIVE SERVICE AGENCY DIRECTORS GROUP SLC OFFICE Colleen Cousineau Marty Garrity Director Director Southern Legislative Bureau of Conference Legislative Research Deputy Executive Director Arkansas Chair The Council of State Governments

23 Join us for the 70th Annual Meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference Lexington, Kentucky July 9-13, 2016